Ayush Mhatre (BCCI photo) Chennai Super Kings top-order batsman Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out for the rest of IPL 2026 after sustaining a left hamstring injury during a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 18 April.CSK has already suffered several setbacks due to injuries this season. Veteran MS Dhoni is struggling with a calf strain, pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out with a Grade 2 quadriceps tear, Nathan Ellis is unavailable and Mhatre’s injury has now dented their depth further.
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Deepak Hooda
Unsold in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Deepak Hooda could be a viable replacement given his previous association with CSK in IPL 2025. He was picked for Rs 1.70 crore but endured a difficult season, scoring just 31 runs in seven matches. Despite his issues, Hooda brings valuable IPL experience and versatility in the middle order, making him a practical option for CSK.
Chikara swastika
Swastik Chikara, a right-handed opening batsman from Uttar Pradesh, is currently a free agent and has proved to be a strong contender. Known for his aggressive approach to Powerplay, he can be a potential replacement. In March 2026, Chikara grabbed attention by smashing an unbeaten 195 off just 69 balls for Gomti Thunder in the Ayodhya Premier League. He was also part of the RCB team that won the IPL 2025 title, though he did not feature in any of the matches.
Atharva Taide
Atharva Taide is another promising option that went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction. The Vidarbha captain recently led his team to their first Vijay Hazare Trophy title, scoring a match-winning 128 in the final against Saurashtra. Having represented Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past, Taide offers stability and leadership, making him a strong contender for CSK.
Manan Vohra
Manan Vohra, an experienced top-order batsman, is also available as a free agent after going unsold in the 2026 auction. Even though he is not playing in the current IPL season, Vohra has remained very active and successful in the domestic Indian circuit as the captain of Chandigarh. Completing the major milestone of crossing 10,000 runs in domestic cricket across all formats in March 2026, he can help CSK strengthen their top order.
Yash Dhull
Yash Dhull is another interesting option. After failing to sell at auction in 2026, he worked his way back into form after major heart surgery in 2024. A prolific player in domestic cricket, Dhull has limited IPL experience with Delhi Capitals in which he has scored just 16 runs in the 4 matches he has played, but has strong potential. As compensation for injuries, he could be a long-term investment for ČSK.
